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Effect of the pyrethroid insecticide allethrin on membrane fluidity
M R Moya-Quiles1, E Muñoz-Delgado, C J Vidal
1Departmento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Spain.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Allethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, disrupts lipid bilayer order in model membranes, potentially increasing human erythrocyte instability. Its effects on native membranes were less pronounced, suggesting aggregation within bilayers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Membrane Biophysics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Pyrethroid insecticides, like allethrin, are extensively used globally.
- Understanding their interaction with biological membranes is crucial for assessing toxicity.
- Lipid bilayer properties influence membrane function and integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of allethrin with model and native cell membranes.
- To determine how allethrin affects the structural organization and stability of lipid bilayers.
- To explore the potential mechanisms underlying allethrin's effects on cell membranes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fluorescence polarization with DPH and TMA-DPH probes to assess membrane order.
- Incorporated allethrin into liposomes composed of DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC phosphatidylcholines.
- Examined allethrin's effects on native human erythrocyte membranes and hemoglobin release.
Main Results:
- Allethrin altered bilayer order in model membranes (DMPC, DPPC, DSPC) near phase transition temperatures.
- In DMPC liposomes, allethrin decreased order in the gel phase but not the liquid-crystalline phase.
- Allethrin did not significantly change fluorescence polarization in native membranes but facilitated hemoglobin release from erythrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Allethrin's interaction with lipid bilayers may involve aggregation, forming specialized domains.
- This aggregation could lead to increased membrane instability and facilitate solute leakage, as seen with hemoglobin release.
- The distinct effects on model versus native membranes warrant further investigation into allethrin's in vivo behavior.